The Superior Court of Islamabad (IHC) has raised concerns about the transfer of detainees to the United States without a formal prison exchange agreement, since it heard a statement that sought the repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
During the hearing, the federal government submitted an application requesting the immediate elimination of the supplication of Siddiqui’s release. The court issued a notice about the government’s request and sought an answer.
Judge Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan questioned why Pakistan had delivered Daesh Sharifullah commander to the United States despite not having a formal prison exchange treaty.
Addressing the additional attorney general (AAG), he commented: “You affirm that there is no agreement, but a detainee was delivered without one.”
The Court also referred to the case of Dr. Shakil Afridi, stating that the Government had received the opportunity of procedures in the Chamber with respect to its possible transfer to the United States, but its response had been unsatisfactory.
Judge Khan also noted that the government seemed anxious to get rid of the case of Aafia Siddiqui, adding that such actions would be noticed internationally.
“The prime minister wrote a letter, visas were issued: everything that could be done has been done. Does this mean that the government wants to wash their hands of the case?” asked.
The audience was attended by the lawyer of the Imran Shafiq Advocate, Aag Munawar Iqbal Duggal, Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui and the United States prosecutor, Clive Stafford Smith, who appeared through video link.
The Court postponed the hearing until next Friday while issuing a notice on the government’s request.
How did Dr. Aafia Siddiqui end in Texas?
The case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui began in 2003 after the capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), the master mind of September 11, Al-Qaeda. Siddiqui, according to the reports, married to Ksm’s nephew, disappeared with his children in Karachi, and then won the title “Lady Al-Qaeda” due to the alleged links with Al-Qaeda.
In 2008, he was arrested in Afghanistan, supposedly carrying sodium cyanide and plans for attacks against US objectives. During the interrogation, Siddiqui allegedly fought against an American soldier rifle and tried to shoot American agents, shouting “death to America.” It was injured in the process and then showed signs of severe abuse.
Siddiqui’s son was released in Afghanistan, while the whereabouts of two other children is still unknown. In 2010, she was convicted of murder attempt in the United States and sentenced 86 years, although she was never accused of direct ties with terrorism.
